The BJP in Odisha got a shot in the arm ahead of the crucial Nuapada byelection with Jay Dholakia, perceived to be the candidate of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) so far, joining the saffron camp on Saturday.

Jay, son of four-time BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, whose death necessitated the bypoll, joined the BJP at a function at the state party headquarters in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and state BJP president Manmohan Samal.

Majhi said Jay would work to finish the father’s unfulfilled work for the constituency.

BJP sources said Jay is set to be the party’s candidate for the bypoll scheduled on November 11. Political observers say the recent political development will redefine the political dynamics in the western Odisha constituency.

While the BJP finished third in the

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